The Protagonist’s Party is Too Diligent -14
EP.14 The Trusted One (3)
The capital city of Lutetia was a beautiful place.
I already had a rough idea of its atmosphere from the game. Compared to the heavily modernized Imperial Capital, Runedarium, Lutetia felt much more old-fashioned.
Of course, even though Runedarium was ‘modernized,’ most of its buildings were still made of old-fashioned brick, and there were neither proper electrical nor internet lines installed. After all, this world didn’t have electricity or the internet yet.
However, telephone lines were in place, and all the sewage systems were buried underground. Most notably, the city had a vast gas pipeline system that allowed the streetlights to be consistently lit at night. Since there was no electrical system, civil servants had to walk around and manually light the lamps when the time came.
Even so, it was more advanced than carrying a torch. The lamps could be lit like a lighter, and once ignited, they would stay lit as long as the gas supply remained uninterrupted. By this world’s standards, those streetlights were cutting-edge technology.
To be honest, coming from a world where electricity was the norm, this seemed incredibly dangerous… but I suppose this was similar to how streetlights were lit in a comparable era back then.
On the other hand, Lutetia, which had yet to fully modernize, still employed people to manually light the streetlamps, except near the train station. The sewage system was only just starting to be constructed, and the railway lines were still expanding nationwide.
Unlike the Imperial Capital, where automobiles were slowly becoming more common, Lutetia officially had only three cars, all of which were imported from the Empire. Since the parts also had to be imported, only royalty could afford to use them. By next year, when the main story begins, a few companies would have entered the market, improving the situation, but Lutetia would still lag far behind Runedarium.
But because of this, the sky in Lutetia was blue.
Although the city center was as densely packed with buildings as the heart of Runedarium, there were no skyscrapers, fewer people bustling about, and no visible factory smoke in the distance, giving the city an oddly rural feel.
“It’s quite peaceful compared to the capital.”
Alice, who was in the same carriage as me, remarked.
It seemed I wasn’t the only one who felt that way.
“But… the sky is beautiful. It’s a sky I’ve never seen in the Capital.”
The sky in the capital was also blue, but it was rare to see a clear stretch of blue sky due to the thick smoke billowing from boilers all over the place. The sky was always partially obscured by black smoke.
Incidentally, the Empire took pride in that smoke. It was a symbol of modernization itself. The productivity of the factories emitting that smoke was the number one factor sustaining the Empire.
“People here wear clothes of such varied colors. Do they all love to dress up?”
Alice wondered aloud.
No, it was just that they didn’t have alternatives.
Mass production of a few varieties.
The Industrial Revolution greatly advanced textile technology, allowing most people in the Empire to wear similar factory-made clothes. Only nobles or the wealthy upper class could afford hand-crafted garments.
However, Lutetia still didn’t have many factories. While some were being built, it would take a long time before they could produce goods on a large scale for the general population.
As a result, handmade clothes were still the norm in the kingdom. Although sewing machines were widely used, making clothes faster and in larger quantities than by hand, each household still had different fabrics and designs. The unique individuality of clothing not yet standardized by industrialization was evident.
That, too, would likely disappear in a few years.
“This is my first time outside the Imperial Capital.”
Alice said, quietly gazing out of the carriage.
“Is that so?”
“Yes.”
She nodded. I hesitated, unsure of what to say next. How was I supposed to respond to a princess’s first impressions of a foreign land, especially when it was her first time leaving the Capital? After some thought, I decided to respond as positively as possible.
“In that case, you’re fortunate to visit Lutetia. Since it hasn’t been industrialized yet, there’s a lot to see.”
Of course, if she ventured out into the Empire’s plains, she would find far more breathtaking natural beauty than this.
“…Have you been to Lutetia before?”
“…No.”
It felt like I had been here before, though.
What I had seen was the world within the game. Not the kind with AAA graphics, but rather one created by a mid-sized Japanese company, with graphics that looked a generation or two behind. Still, the designers had captured the city’s characteristics well, and at least the level design from the train station to the royal palace was intricately detailed. That was probably why everything felt strangely familiar.
They really did their best, I thought.
“This is my first time in Lutetia as well.”
Though I had left the Capital before due to the Count’s assassination, this was my first time in a foreign country. And it wasn’t as if I had gone sightseeing during my time in the Count’s territory either.
“Then you shouldn’t be saying that, should you?”
“…”
She had a point.
*
The protocols for Alice and me were identical. As expected, Lucas and Jayden were treated with the same respect as the Emperor’s actual children. It was amusing to think that they were technically my ‘guards.’
Within the Empire, it was common knowledge that Alice, as the Emperor’s real daughter, was treated differently than the rest of us. However, the Emperor always treated us equally, which meant that even abroad, we had to be treated the same.
It would be unthinkable for foreign dignitaries to compare us differently. Otherwise, they wouldn’t know what kind of trouble they might get into.
As a result, the kingdom was thrown into quite a commotion.
“We apologize. We did not expect another princess to arrive…”
The Kingdom’s diplomat said, sweating nervously. He likely wanted to ask, ‘Why didn’t you inform us properly?’
Since everyone involved was so important, they couldn’t afford to be careless with the protocol, which meant the cost of our stay was substantial. Now, with an additional unexpected guest, the expenses would increase even further.
“I’m so sor—”
Alice began to apologize, finally realizing the situation she had caused. Her face turned red with embarrassment as she faced the diplomat, but I quickly raised my hand to stop her apology.
I had never been a diplomat. I had never worked in that field, nor did I have the capability. However, I had at least a basic understanding of such matters.
Although Alice had not yet been officially given the title of Crown Princess, she was destined to ascend to the throne one day. Even if she was being treated like me for now, it meant she was in a position far more noble than mine.
Therefore, she should not be apologizing to a mere diplomat who was much lower in rank. While ignoring a mistake was also problematic, if she must apologize, it should be done through official channels to someone of equal standing, and it should be accepted personally by that individual. This was because, for people in our position, even personal matters could become public.
Moreover, the Empire was a hegemonic state. By sending not just a mere daughter but the Emperor’s own daughter as a representative to a trilateral conference where the world’s leaders gathered, it effectively communicated the stance of ‘I am not on equal terms with you.’
Thus, we were expected to show the arrogance fitting of a representative of a hegemonic state as the Emperor wished. It was unacceptable for a future Emperor to bow their head.
And what if they didn’t like it? If they had a problem, they should have come themselves instead of sending me.
After giving a subtle gesture to the flustered princess to remain quiet, I addressed the diplomat.
“Do you have a room of the same standard as the prepared one?”
“Ah, yes. Since we rented the entire hotel, we do have rooms available.”
“In that case, please prepare an additional room immediately. I would also like the security forces to be matched to mine in terms of both quality and quantity.”
“Ah, understood. I will ensure that it is arranged immediately!”
Normally, this would be considered a severe breach of etiquette, almost bordering on oppression. However, if the Emperor did not want this, he wouldn’t have sent me.
And, once again, if they had a problem, they should have come themselves.
*
While Alice’s room was being prepared, she temporarily stayed in the same room as me. As usual, Alice took the seat directly in front of me on the sofa in the center of the spacious room. She stared at me intently.
“……”
“……”
Without saying a word.
Honestly, that gaze was a bit annoying.
Did my behavior earlier seem excessive to her?
Alice was indeed a typical “outer strength, inner weakness” character. Initially, she was proud and looked down on others like Claire in the original story, but gradually opened up to the protagonist and their companions. She was also a character who always seriously considered the future of the Empire and its people.
Her personal narrative involved opposing her father, the Emperor, who sought to conquer the world and drive many people to their deaths… and ultimately, perhaps, triumphing in the end.
The reason I say “perhaps” was because I did not complete the game before I was transported here. Though the company favored classic endings, it makes me wonder if my presence here was necessary.
The world would be saved even without me.
The only thing I could attempt was to save characters who might die. And who knows if that would ultimately help the world.
There was no god greeting me with a “Hello, I’m God,” nor was there a neatly organized status window displaying my abilities. I had no idea what I was supposed to do.
“How can you be so confident?”
Alice asked me, looking at me with a mix of curiosity and irritation. I looked up from the book I had been glancing at without reading.
“You always act so confidently, as if you’re never wrong. Just now, too. What if the people of the kingdom had reacted negatively to what you said?”
Hmm.
The reason I could be so confident was because I had the assurance that I could correct any mistakes. And honestly, even if I had been wrong earlier, it wouldn’t have mattered much.
I hesitated briefly. I couldn’t talk about my abilities right now, and if I offered an unsatisfactory reason, Alice wouldn’t understand.
After some thought, I decided to go with a universally acceptable answer.
“Princess, who is your father?”
“Huh?”
Alice was momentarily taken aback by my sudden question.
“Well, the Emperor of the Empire, of course!”
She answered, slightly irritated. Understandable, since I had asked as if I didn’t know.
“Then who is my father?”
“Uh, well, that’s…”
She didn’t want to admit it.
Because, in reality, Alice was the only legitimate child. She probably didn’t want to admit it.
But officially, I was also the Emperor’s daughter. Even if not everyone thought so and even if it wasn’t a matter of blood, I was still officially recognized as a daughter, and the Emperor treated me as such. Even sending me in his place, as he did now. So, who would dare outright tell me, “You’re not the Emperor’s daughter”? Even Alice, who was the actual blood-related princess, couldn’t outright deny it in front of me.
“Regardless of what you think, Princess, I am recognized as the Emperor’s daughter. It doesn’t matter if anyone disagrees. I still hold the same power as you. A power that won’t disappear even if someone denies it.”
“……”
Alice bit her lip in silence, and I continued.
“Borrow the power of the Emperor confidently. If someone challenges you, assert and prove your identity as the princess. No one will dare look down on you. Not a single person in this world.”
“But… what if I make a mistake…”
Alice stammered, asking hesitantly.
“Mistake? Just act confidently. No one will say anything. The Emperor is not a solitary ruler. There will be people around to correct any errors and to help execute your plans. In fact, the more you bow your head, the more people will see you and the Empire as insignificant.”
Alice looked up at me with a somewhat dazed expression.
“Even if you make mistakes, you’re still a princess and someone who will one day become the Empress. Who would dare to reprimand you? Perhaps if it’s a cautious piece of advice, but still…”
“But if I become the Empress someday…”
“If you become the Empress, you’ll be at the pinnacle of the Empire. At that point, who could possibly say anything against you?”
“……”
Alice remained silent. I continued to watch her quietly and spoke.
“Of course, you must become the most capable person in the Empire. Even if you’re not the best, you should at least excel in every aspect. The Emperor’s power permeates throughout the Empire, and if any area is lacking, someone might rise to betray you. However, if necessary, wield your power freely. It’s the greatest weapon you have.”
I gathered my thoughts and offered what I hoped would be encouraging words. Seeing Alice looking at me with a hint of admiration made me feel a bit proud.
Well, once she goes to the academy, she’ll meet much better friends and learn many more important things than she could have learned by my side.
“…Alright. So, I just need to act like that?”
“Exactly. If you encounter something you don’t know, you can learn it then. The truly shameful behavior is not being confident despite knowing nothing, but refusing to learn. No one knows everything about the world. So—”
“Do you?”
“Huh?”
Alice suddenly interrupted my statement about no one knowing everything. I found myself replying without thinking.
Fortunately, Alice, who was watching me quietly, didn’t seem to mind my reaction.
“Do you not know everything about the world?”
“Well, I would think that’s quite obvious.”
I tried not to show my disbelief and answered, but Alice looked at me as if she was seeing something curious.
“But you handle everything so quickly, as if you knew what was going to happen. Isn’t that because you already know everything?”
“It’s a combination of my knowledge, skill, and luck. I’m not a prophet, you know.”
“Is that so?”
Alice looked somewhat ambiguous, but sensing that digging further might lead to more explanations, I quickly continued.
“—Anyway, if anyone mocks you for not knowing something, they are the ones who should be embarrassed. They are the ones who think they know everything. Such people get angry when confronted with unknown facts. They don’t feel embarrassed like you do. So, there’s no need to envy them. In fact, you should feel even more confident in acknowledging your mistakes.”
From personal experience, I knew people often questioned the game’s settings, even though I’d memorized every detail. I’d use information from untranslated guides to prove them wrong. If they persisted, I’d make it my mission to completely debunk their arguments.
Of course, there were times when I was wrong and faced the consequences, but what could you do? I was the only one who translated and summarized even the smallest details, so if anyone had an issue, they should just translate it themselves.
Now that I’m actually living in the world I used to summarize, I couldn’t do that anymore.
“I see…”
Alice nodded slightly, as if impressed by my words. Seeing her expression filled me with a sense of pride, though I had to make an effort not to show it.